Dancing With Raven (The Young Shakespeareans Series)

by Rogers, S. G.

  “I’ll bet it’s a passage to the outside,” Fletcher said. “A lot of English castles were built with an escape route like that.”

  “Let’s open it,” Raven said. “I’ll get a torch and be right back.”

  He darted off, and Fletcher began to nudge the rack to one side.

  “A torch? Wouldn’t a flashlight be easier?” Tori asked, bewildered.

  Felicia’s laugh was sharp and mocking. “How very American. A torch is a flashlight.”

  Fletcher looked up from his task. “That’s a trifle rude, Felicia.”

  “Sorry. I just couldn’t help myself.”

  “Try,” he retorted.

  By the time Raven returned with the flashlight, Fletcher had moved the rack clear. While Raven shone light on the ring handle, Fletcher gave it a twist. The door opened only slightly. After handing the flashlight to Tori, Raven helped Fletcher wrench the heavy oak panel inward far enough so they could see what was behind.

  “Aha!” Fletcher chortled. “I was right.”

  A brick-lined passageway went along about fifteen feet before reaching a dead end. The air inside was musty and damp—and unappealing.

  “I’m not going in there,” Tori said, edging backward.

  “Me neither,” Felicia said. “The last thing I need is a nest of spiders in my hair.”

  Fletcher and Raven exchanged a glance and grimace.

  “Good enough for me,” Fletcher said.

  “No argument.”

  Without further discussion, they pushed the door closed and brushed dust and cobwebs off their clothes.

  “On to something more fun,” Raven said. “The gym.”

  The other section of the basement contained an extensive gym, which included treadmills, gymnastic equipment, and an in-ground trampoline with a training harness.

  “It’s so spacious and well-equipped!” Tori exclaimed.

  “Everything a demon hunter needs to train, from hand to hand combat to target practice,” Raven said.

  Fletcher nudged Tori with his shoulder and gestured toward the mat. “I’d be happy to show you how to grapple.”

  “Er…not just now,” she said. “I’m not dressed for it.”

  “We can always wrestle in the nude,” he offered.

  Raven gave Fletcher a look of disgust, but Tori merely laughed. “Tell me, Fletcher, do you have a serious bone in your body?”

  “One or two, but I’m not going to tell you they are. It’s a closely guarded secret.”

  On the ground floor, Tori had already been inside the library, dining room, and living room, but she enjoyed seeing the spacious kitchen with its enormous butler’s pantry. Quigley was busy washing up the dishes from dinner, and the limo driver was eating his meal at the small table in the corner. Mrs. Trumbull was assembling a quiche for breakfast. When Raven introduced Tori to the woman, she complimented the cook on the meal. Mrs. Trumbull waved off the praise, but her good-natured face was wreathed with smiles.

  “Thank you, but I’m just grateful to be useful again, lass. Idle hands are the devil’s workshop, make no mistake!”

  Continuing the tour, Raven passed by his father’s office, a laundry room, and a game room complete with a billiard table, television screen, and wet bar. The four took the small elevator to the second floor, where Raven, Fletcher, and Felicia had their rooms.

  “What’s on the third floor?” Tori asked.

  “My father and Lord Birmingham’s lodgings,” Raven said.

  “Grandpapa won’t be here for much longer. He’s returning to England on Monday,” Felicia said.

  “That’s a good sign, isn’t it?” Tori asked. “He must feel there’s nothing to worry about here in L.A.”

  “The world doesn’t revolve around you,” Felicia retorted. “Grandpapa has an entire organization to run.”

  Raven bristled. “Felicia—”

  Tori cut him off. “Actually, Felicia, until my birthday passes, the world does revolve around me. It’s not my fault, and I didn’t ask for it, but I suppose you’re too self-centered to care about the distinction.” She paused only long enough to draw a breath. “Raven, I’d like to go home now. Clearly, I’ve overstayed my welcome.”

  She eschewed the elevator and headed for the stairs instead. As she gripped the handrail, fury made her tremble. Felicia was pampered and privileged, yet she resented Tori? How dare she be so nasty to me when so much is at stake? I’ve lost my parents, my chance to dance with SBT, and my identity, but she doesn’t care. All she cares about is getting Raven back, and it would be a big mistake to entrust her with my life.

  “That was badly done, sister,” Fletcher said.

  “Nobody asked her to be so sensitive.”

  “You’re unbelievable.” Raven gritted his teeth as he gave Felicia a level glance. “I’ll deal with you later.”

  He caught up to Tori before she reached the first landing. “I’m sorry about that. I really don’t know what got into her.”

  “I do. It’s quite obvious, although I would have expected her to rise above it.”

  They reached the bottom of the stairs. Although Raven was curious about Tori’s response, he thought it best to put as much distance between her and Felicia as possible.

  “Once we’re on the road, you can tell me what you mean,” he said.

  The driver had finished his meal and was still in the kitchen. Quigley retrieved Tori’s belongings and Raven whisked her into the limo. After he slid in next to her, the vehicle left Blackfriars and headed down the driveway. Tori took a deep breath and blew it out slowly.

  “Please apologize to your father and Lord Birmingham for my abrupt departure. I was just so sick of Felicia needling me.”

  “You said you knew what was bothering her.”

  “She wants you back, Raven.”

  He shook his head. “Forgive me, but that’s ridiculous.”

  “Is it? Ask Fletcher if you want an honest answer. He knows.”

  “Did he tell you that? Fletcher can always be counted on to cause trouble.”

  Tori affected an English accent as she mimicked Felicia at dinner. “‘The role of white knight suits you,’” She dropped the accent. “Felicia’s in love with you and she thinks I’m in the way.”

  “Well…you are, rather.” He felt her eyes on him. “I hope that doesn’t embarrass you.”

  “I’m not embarrassed.”

  “Surely you’ve noticed my regard for you.”

  Her lips pressed together as if she were trying not to laugh.

  “Did I say something funny?”

  “It’s just your reserved English way of putting things. It’s a lot more sophisticated than saying you’re hot for me.”

  He grinned. “I’m that too. Scorchingly hot.”

  Her fingertips grazed the side of his face as she drew him toward her for a hungry and passionate kiss. Raven’s heart slammed against the side of his chest as he explored Tori’s sweet lips. In turn, her hands roamed across his chest, back, and arms. The soft noises of pleasure she made deep in her throat drove him wild…but in the back of his mind he told himself to let up. His kisses became softer and gentler as he tried to show her how he felt instead of overwhelming her with his need. He wrapped his arms around her, rejoicing when she melted against him.

  “I care about you, Tori. Let’s just take this slow and maybe build something that will last.”

  “That’s…splendid,” she murmured.

  They clung together without speaking for the remainder of the drive. When they reached Misty’s house, Raven escorted Tori to the front door. She slipped her arms around him for one last embrace.

  “About Felicia—” he began.

  “Shh. I don’t want to think about her,” Tori said. “I only want to think about you.”

  His eyes closed and he breathed her in for a few more precious seconds before brushing his lips against hers. Reluctantly, he stepped back.

  “All right, in you go. Give my best to your foster mother.
”

  Tori glanced at her wristwatch. “Oh, it’s only ten o’clock. I hope she doesn’t think you kicked me out early for bad manners.”

  “Nobody would think that. Good night.”

  When she opened the front door, a whiff of incense tickled his nose.

  “Good night.” As Tori shut the door, she was smiling.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Mime on Melrose

  RAVEN RETURNED TO THE LIMO with a spring in his step. What a strange, tempestuous, and ultimately beautiful evening. As the vehicle passed through the intersection of Ventura and Sepulveda, however, he peered through the window—searching fruitlessly for a red mohawk. I was imagining things. With a sigh, he sat back, closed his eyes, and relived the wonderful moments when he held Tori in his arms.

  The clack of striking billiard balls reached Raven’s ears as soon as he walked into Blackfriars. In the game room, Fletcher was lining up a shot.

  “Hullo.” He straightened. “Fancy a game?”

  “Maybe later. Where’s Felicia?”

  “Treadmill, I think, working off some angst.” Fletcher paused. “Raven…don’t be too hard on her. She’s wrestling with some emotions, and you know how much she hates those.”

  “If you think she views Tori as a rival for my affections, you’re wrong.”

  “I didn’t say it was logical or even intelligent. I don’t know what she sees in you, personally, but she’s been rather messed up since Nicholai.”

  “She was messed up long before that.”

  “Granted.” Fletcher peered at him. “Nevertheless, do me a favor and change your shirt before you talk to my sister, would you?”

  “Why?”

  “Under the circumstances, the traces of lipstick on your collar might drive her over the edge.”

  Raven felt a painful blush burning. “Er…right. Thanks for the warning.”

  “Let me give you another one. If you should stumble with Tori, I’ll be there to pick up the pieces before you can say Greenwich Mean Time.”

  “Duly noted.”

  In his room, Raven slid out of his jacket and button-down shirt. Sure enough, Tori’s makeup stained his collar. I miss her already. He grabbed his cell phone and sent her a text message: Good night. Sleep well. Then he donned a t-shirt over his jeans and headed to the gym for a word with Felicia.

  Felicia, clad in leggings and a workout top, was glistening with perspiration when Raven entered the gym. She caught sight of his reflection in the mirror, and hit the stop button on her treadmill. After the belt came to a halt, she picked up her hand towel, blotted her face, and stepped off the piece of equipment.

  “If you’re here to chew me out, you’re too late. My brother performed that service on your behalf.”

  “I don’t know what’s going on inside that mind of yours, but let me make something crystal clear. There is nothing romantic between you and me. I’m so far past it, I’m not even angry about what happened last summer.” As he spoke, the impact of his words resonated with the truth. Tori freed me of all my bitterness.

  “The thing is, I’m really sorry,” she said. “I don’t even know why I cheated on you, to be honest.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I’d hoped when you said you wanted to start over yesterday we could figure out a way to be friends. If you make amends with Tori, perhaps we still can. Right now, however, we’re dangerously close to becoming enemies. She means more to me than an assignment, and I don’t want her hurt.”

  Several expressions flitted over Felicia’s features, as if she were at war with herself.

  “All right,” she said finally. “I’ll make amends.”

  “How?”

  “Tori mentioned a shopkeeper with ties to the demon world. I’ll go with her tomorrow afternoon to pump him for information.”

  “I’d planned to go with her.”

  “Come now, Raven. If the man is at all reluctant to talk, two pretty girls are more likely to loosen his tongue than a six foot two inch man on a mission.”

  “I don’t go around ‘on a mission.’”

  “Whenever you’re with Tori, you’re incredibly protective. The way you feel about her sticks out a mile.” She pouted. “You were never like that with me.”

  Raven had no interest in rehashing his former relationship, so he ignored her last statement. The idea that Tori and Felicia could more easily elicit information than he could, however, was sound. Felicia in particular could probably manipulate almost anyone. Still, he hesitated. I don’t want to inflict her on Tori.

  Felicia made an exasperated sound. “Come on, I promise to be nice. And anyway, you can’t be with the girl twenty-four hours a day. She needs a female bodyguard sometimes.”

  “I’m not convinced.”

  She averted her eyes. “Look, if Grandpapa feels I’m too emotionally compromised to help, he’ll yank me home and send somebody else. I’m desperate to stay here and get my career started.”

  The scale suddenly tipped in her favor. By helping Tori, she’d actually be acting in her own self-interest. That’s the Felicia I know. He nodded. “All right, but if Tori has any complaints, I won’t hesitate to bring them straight to your grandfather.”

  Felicia gave an excited wiggle. “You won’t regret this.”

  Somehow I already do.

  Beyond wary, Tori opened the front door to Felicia the next afternoon. The sunshine lit her fair hair like a halo and she flashed an innocent smile. Inwardly, Tori sighed. Although Raven had called to tell her Felicia was determined to make things right, she was still not looking forward to her attempt. I wish Raven had come instead!

  “Are you ready?” Felicia cocked a thumb toward the driveway. “Mr. Cassidy loaned me his car. I thought the limo was too ostentatious for our errand today.”

  Tori didn’t trust Felicia’s driving any more than she trusted her. “Since I know the city better, we should take my car. But before we leave, come on in and meet my foster mother.”

  She led Felicia through the living room and into the kitchen, where Misty was reading the paper.

  “This is a friend of mine from school.” Tori tried not to choke on the word friend. “Felicia, this is Misty Savannah.”

  “Pleased to meet you, Felicia,” Misty said. “Any friend of Tori’s is welcome here.”

  “I’m pleased to meet you as well.” Felicia spoke without a trace of her English accent. “I noticed a lovely painting of Baphomet over your fireplace.”

  Misty looked blank. “Is that what it’s called? The painting was a gift from a fan many years ago.” She chuckled. “I like the colors.”

  “Well, we’re off to do some shopping,” Tori said. “See you later.”

  “Bye!” Felicia chirped.

  Once they’d left the house and buckled into the car, Tori gave Felicia a hard stare. “What was with the American accent? I hope you’re not mocking me.”

  “It’s called undercover work. Today I’m channeling a totally gnarly California girl.”

  Tori started the engine. “‘Totally gnarly’ is so decades ago.”

  “Now who’s mocking whom?”

  “After last night, I’m entitled.”

  “I’m sure Raven told you I apologized for my rudeness.” A sigh. “I suppose I’ll just have to prove myself.”

  “If possible.”

  “Fair enough, but you’ve got to give me a chance. Where are we going?”

  “A shop on Melrose called The Mime’s Eye. The owner knows things about the Shakespeare Institute, and slaying demons.”

  “Does he have any idea who you are?”

  “No, but he does know I can see demons.”

  Tori took Laurel Canyon Boulevard south until it turned into North Crescent Heights Boulevard.

  “I’m completely lost. Where are we?” Felicia asked.

  “West Hollywood. Melrose Avenue is just a few blocks from here.”

  Felicia was glued to the scenery as they drove, staring at the shops, people—and demons.
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  “This place is teeming with denizens of the underworld, and nobody seems to notice anything weird.”

  “With each quake more and more demons appear,” Tori said. “L.A. has its freaks, of course, but it wasn’t always this crowded.”

  “Do you have any underworld or demon friends?”

  “Are you kidding? If I let demons know I can see them, they’ll attack!”

  “That’s not true—unless you mention the Scottish play, of course. Many demons are perfectly harmless, and some can be quite fun. Vampires throw the best parties.”

  Disconcerted, Tori didn’t know how to respond. She parked her car, but as she and Felicia walked down Melrose Avenue, it was difficult to pry the British beauty away from the boutique windows. She stopped dead in front of a leather shop and gazed lovingly at the garments within.

  “Oh, what a gorgeous blue leather jacket! It matches my eyes. I want to buy it on the way back. With your coloring, maybe you should buy one in winter white.”

  “I’ve a very limited budget for clothes. I doubt if there’s anything in that store I can afford except perhaps a keychain fob or a coin purse,” Tori replied.

  Felicia’s eyebrows drew together. “I don’t want to argue, but the dress you had on last night was no rag.”

  “It was a gift from Misty. She bought me a few things the other day, and paid for me to get my hair done.”

  “Why?”

  “An early birthday present.”

  “A very generous birthday present.”

  “She’s always been very kind. I’ve told her I intend to pay her back one day.”

  “I don’t want to rain on your sponge cake, but ballet isn’t the highest paid profession in the world. If earning money is on your agenda, perhaps losing the SBT job wasn’t such a bad thing.”

  It required some effort for Tori to control her temper. “How did you know about that?”

  “I heard it from the tiny anemic-looking blonde at school.” Felicia curled her lip. “What a horrible shrew. I think if I had to dance alongside her, I’d vomit on her toe shoes.”

  Tori burst out laughing. “A mutual dislike of Kirsten is one thing we have in common.”